Ellen & Chris
The Wedding Party
Gary Lee Haskins Jr.
Best Man
Chris and Gary go way back to 4th grade where they bonded over a mutual appreciation of Peter Jackson's big screen adaptation of JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Much like Frodo and Sam, Chris and Gary were always together, trekking through their middle school years at Parker Middle School. As time past, Chris and Gary's bond only grew as they attended Taunton High School together where they would eventually found ChrisandGary.com. ChrisandGary.com, a website dedicated to their YouTube sketch comedy videos, exploded in popularity in the early 2010's propelling them to local Taunton stardom. Anyway, long story short, Chris and Gary are still great friends, but Chris has to wrap this up because he is taking heat for writing a long winded satirical novel-like synopsis about his best friend on a website that is supposed to be about him and his future wife.
Caitlin Wright
Matron of Honor
Sisters by blood, friends by choice. Kate & Ellen have know each other all their lives and despite their 8 year age gap, they've always been close. Growing up Kate was like a second mom to Ellen, always watching her back and keeping her in line (which was exactly what that wild child needed!). Now that they're older, and that age gap has grown smaller, they've only grown closer. Being able to reminisce on childhood memories all while making new ones as adults, creates a special kind of bond. With Kate's infectious smile that lights up any room and Ellen's feisty spirit, they make the perfect duo and Ellen couldn't be happier to have Kate by her side.
Allyson Alves
Groomswoman
Chris owes his name to his sister, and only sibling Ally, when she picked it out at 4 years old after Winnie the Pooh's "Christopher Robin". Chris and Ally were always close during childhood, playing with Beanie Babies, going to Disney, and having movie marathons together are some of their fondest memories. Ally moved to Texas a few years ago, and has a fun Texas accent now. Strike up a conversation to hear the fun twang!
Kaitlyn Forrester
Matron of Honor
Friends since middle school and best friends since day one, whether calling each other "BFFL or "Babygurl (especially back in the day)," Kaity's always been Ellen's ride or die. Through blessings and hard times, love and heart ache, they've been by each other's side. Their memories and shared experiences are countless, and they know, no matter how much time passes, they'll always be able to count on each other. The definition of "friends who became family," they have that easy no frills kind of friendship that'll last a life time.
David Tavares
Groomsman
Dave and Chris played soccer together in middle school but wouldn't become close until high school where they played 4 years of soccer and were captains together their senior year. Dave and Chris attended the same college together where their friendship would grow deeper. Despite their nearly 15 year friendship and Chris considering Dave one of his best friends, Chris still has no idea what Dave does for work. If you see Dave at the wedding, try to strike up a conversation about it and report back to Chris if you figure it out.
Trisha Costa
Officiant
Friends since 4th grade, Trisha has always been Ellen's closest confidant. She was the first person Ellen told about Chris, and one of the first to meet him. A passionate, wears her heart on her sleeve kind of gal, Trisha is a fierce supporter of those she loves. From playing dolls and literally writing out the details of their play lives, how many children they have, who their husbands are, and the ever popular "pretending grape juice was wine," to now being adults with real life partnerships and living out their biggest dreams, it's been one heck of a ride. They reminisce now on their childhood antics together, and will surely be sitting side by side in rocking chairs when they're old and gray, reminiscing on this moment in time, and the wonderful lives they've built. Trisha knows Ellen like the back of her hand, and knows her and Chris's story better than most, so it just made sense to have her marry them, making an already special day that much more so.
Adam Huggon
Groomsman
Chris and Adam met while playing soccer at Taunton High School on the freshman team. The freshman soccer team in 2008 was absolutely atrocious, Adam tells a great story of the day Chris was called to the JV soccer team that year and sprinted out never looking back. After the soccer season, Adam would become close with Chris, Gary and Dave during high school when the four named their friend group "The Men". Catch Adam on the dance floor, Chris is willing to put money he is the best dancer at this wedding.
Shantel Vasconcellos
Bridesmaid
Finding mutual friendship through Nicole, Ellen can remember the exact day it felt like Shan really became part of the group. It was a day "the whole dang crew" went to Westport Winery for some fall festivities, but Nicole couldn't make it. However, Shantel still came. We had a blast and the rest is truly history. This friend group, and this wedding day would surely not be the same without her. Shantel has a heart of gold and the warmest spirit. With a smile that could light up the room and a good time vibe, you're sure to find Shan laughing and dancing the whole night through.
Julie Regan
Bridesmaid
Soul sisters through an through. Julie is that unwavering, rock steady, non judgmental kind of friend, that honestly everyone should have in their lives. Friends since at least high school (though exact date is...unkown lol), Julie and Ellen have only grown closer as the years have gone by. Julie is a kid a heart, with the uncanny ability to give wisdom that is beyond the beyond. Her love for her family and friends is unmatched, with one of the purest hearts we know. You might find her pirouetting in the middle of cocktail hour, or busting out some lyrics from Hamilton on the dance floor, and honestly we wouldn't have it any other way.
Jamie Karilekas
Bridesmaid
Friends since at least high school, Jamie & Ellen have grown and seen so much together. From show choir, to world travels, first apartments and boy friends to fiancés and soon to be wives, the pair have shared so many wonderful adventures. While they lean more on their partners now than each other (as it should be), Ellen couldn't be more proud of who Jamie has become. Jamie has always been on the quiet side, but don't let that fool you. Her smile brightens the room, and her love is unending. Kindred spirits, Ellen and Jamie, with sensitive hearts but strong and stubborn minds, their friendship is that forever kind. No matter where life takes them, or how much time passes, they'll always have each other's backs.
Nicole Santos
Bridesmaid
While Ellen and Nicole knew each other in high school, they didn't become friends until much later in college when their other friends, Trisha and Jamie, roomed with Nicole at Bridgewater. Though she might seem tough on the outside, she has tremendous sweetness on the inside, so it didn't take long for them to click. They've shared many ups and downs, but through it all have always had each other's backs. Nicole is fire reincarnate, full of passion and a fierce defender of those she loves. Ellen always jokes that while she may tease us, she'll be damned if someone outside the group does. Nicole holds a special place in Ellen's heart, and she couldn't be happier to have her by her side on the most special day of their lives (for those who don't know, they'll be sharing an anniversary :)...now neither can forget! lol)
Rylee Grace Almeida Forrester
Junior Bridesmaid
Rylee was the first to make Ellen an auntie and as such holds a very special place in her heart. Watching her grow from a spitfire little babe to the smart and strong young lady she is now has been nothing short of amazing. She's still a firecracker for sure, but with the softest heart, and one who is ready to defend those in need. It might make Ellen a little sad to know that Ry is now getting too old to be a flower girl, but she's still excited that she gets to be a part of the day in a very special way.
Jubilee Ann Wright
Flower Child
Being Ellen's niece, Ellen has known Jubilee (or Jubi) all her life, while Chris met this spunky flower child at 4 yrs old. Through shared interests (Pokemon & video games) Chris & Jubi hit it off immediately. Now Ellen and Chris often fight over who's her favorite, something we think she's caught on to as she'll often pit them against each other :). With a bright smile and feisty attitude she is sure to rock the aisle as well as the dance floor.
Mr. & Mrs. Power & Grace
Sounders
Otherwise known as Andrea & Neil, they've been two of the most influential people in Chris & Ellen's lives. Ellen met Andrea and Neil through their yoga studio, Power and Grace, almost exactly two years ago when Ellen decided to take their yoga teacher training series or "YTT." It took a lot of deliberation, and even after the first class Ellen thought to herself "who are these crazy hippies with their crystal bowls and talks of the natural laws of the universe," but it ended up being the best decision she ever made. Not only did Ellen get one hell of a yoga teacher training, but she became part of the most amazing community or "shamballa." Chris quickly became a part of that shamballa as well. After being such a strong support for Ellen, going to classes (and critiquing) he's now thought of as an honor yogi and holds a special place in the community. Ellen and Chris are so excited to have Neil and Andrea apart of their wedding day, it wouldn't be the same without them.